Current Update on Interstitial Lung Disease of Infancy: New Classification System, Diagnostic Evaluation, Imaging Algorithms, Imaging Findings, and Prognosis

Radiol Clin North Am. 2016 Nov;54(6):1065-1076. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2016.05.012. Epub 2016 Aug 12.

Abstract

Childhood interstitial lung disease represents a rare and heterogeneous group of diseases that can result in significant morbidity and mortality, some leading to death during infancy. CT is the imaging test of choice. Although many CT findings are nonspecific and a definitive diagnosis usually cannot be reached by CT alone, the interpreting radiologist is instrumental in defining disease extent and refining the diagnosis. Chest CTs are of key importance in guiding site selection for lung biopsy and for following disease progression and response to treatment. Thus, from the radiologist's perspective, ensuring maximal quality of CT imaging and interpretation is paramount.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; High-resolution computed tomography; Interstitial lung disease; Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy; Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis; Surfactant dysfunction disorder.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Europe
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Pediatrics / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Medicine / standards*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / standards
  • Radiography, Thoracic / standards
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / standards*
  • United States